Why do I have weeds and where did they come from?

It’s important to understand that weed seeds are very small, very light, and in virtually every soil type. They can lay dormant for years waiting for a chance to germinate. So when you ask, “where did they come from”, we generally answer “We don’t know.”

What is a grassy weed and what is a regular weed?

Well the loose definition of a weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted. What that means is whether a plant is a weed depends on your personal opinion.

As this applies to your turf you should know that the products we apply handle most broad leaf weeds and some grassy weeds, but there are times when we have to do something different. This happens when Bermuda grass or perennial rye grass creeps into your fescue lawn. When this happens we need to apply Round Up.

We apply Round Up twice a couple of weeks before aeration and seeding for good control of the problem. The key word is control because the problem can come back especially with Bermuda. Grassy weeds can sneak into a Bermuda lawn also, when you see bunches of green fescue that dot the nice sandy look of a Bermuda lawn in the winter time. Again Round Up is used but only when the temperatures are right.

Please understand that you can seriously damage your Bermuda lawn if this product is miss applied. In all honesty, we would really rather do that for you.

When should I cut my grass after you guys have come out and sprayed?

This question is really only relevant when we are applying weed controls. A granular product like fertilizer or lime does not require a waiting period. You can cut right after it is applied. Our herbicides are usually applied in a liquid form, which allows us to get good broad coverage.

If you allow the herbicides to stay on the plant for a day before you cut then you should get the best results. We realize that allowing that one day is not always possible, but if the products dry for several hours before you cut you should get good results.

Remember that herbicides can control up to 80% of your weeds, there is no product that will give you 100% coverage.

 

It rained right after your manager came out and sprayed, should you come out and re-apply?

Generally, this is not necessary especially when applying a pre-emergent weed control. Pre-emergents are applied evenly over turf to form a barrier at the soil surface. As seeds germinate in this barrier at the soil surface, the seedlings absorb the herbicide and are killed.

Incorporation and activation of the herbicide after its application is required by most pre-emergent herbicides. This can be accomplished by mother- nature or by an irrigation system. Watering within seven to ten days after of application will optimize herbicidal activity.

Now if there is a down poor of several inches this may require an additional application. But we monitor the weather, it is part of the job, and we would typically not apply under those conditions.